Music and Family

My Mema has been my best friend since I can remember and has always been my biggest fan. She's the reason I'm where I am today. If it weren't for her, I would've never become a musician, so I knew I had to do this interview with her. 

How would you define music?

"Hmmm... It's a way to express yourself. I mean, it's something that we can all connect to without having to say a word."

What does music mean to you?

"Oh I love it. It's something that can brighten my day when I'm down. When I go to church and hear the music, it just brightens my mood and makes me feel so thankful and full of joy. Or I can just sit down and play the piano (even though I don't play well), it's something I can sit down and do to make me feel happy."

How long have you played piano, and how did you learn?

"My mama taught me when I was really little, and then she put me and my brother Bill in lessons when I was real little, maybe about 1st grade. I took lessons for a couple years and have always played since, but can't play near as good as you." (she said and winked)

Is there a specific instrument you wish you played? Which one and why?

"I had an older cousin who was in the band, and she played the clarinet. I thought it was the most beautiful instrument and always dreamed of being in the band and playing the clarinet, but we couldn't afford it since I was one of 5 children. Even though I never got to play, I sure am glad your mama played in school, and now you play." (I'm definitely going to teach her after hearing this, because I never knew this!)

What's your earliest memory of music?

"Music at church. We had a lady, oh, she was such a joy to be around, and she would teach us all these children's songs. It was a good ole country church, and she would spend time with us singing 'Jesus Loves Me' and things like that, and I thought it was the grandest thing ever."

What made you love music? Was it a specific memory?

"My mama, she played the piano a little and we had record players, and radio. We just had a lot of music at the house."

Did you ever sing in a choir? Was it at church or school? What was that like?

"I sang in the chorus at school, and I was also in the children's choir at church, then the youth choir, and then eventually in the adult choir. I also led the children's choir when I was in my 20's. I used to have a pretty good voice but damaged my vocal cords when I was young and the doctor said I wouldn't be able to sing real good anymore."

Do you think music should be a core subject in school? Why?

"Oh absolutely, I think it is very important for children to be in music class. You know James ain't even able to be in a music class right now and he LOVES to sing. I think every child should have the opportunity to be a part of music year around. It's vital for their learning outside of academics." (James is my little cousin in elementary school lol)

Who were your favorite artists when you were younger?

"OH!! Elvis, The Beach Boys, The Oak Ridge Boys, oh there's so many!! You just don't want me to go on and on and on."

Did you have any music restrictions growing up? Did you rebel?

"Not really. The music I wasn't supposed to listen to, well, I just didn't really care for it actually, so it was never a problem"

Like what kind of music didn't you like?

"Oh, you know, that hard rock music."

What song will never get too old for you?

"Count Your Many Blessings is my favorite. Count your many blessing name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Don't know where I'd be without The Good Lord."

What kind of music would you like at your funeral?

"I want peppy music, because it's gonna be a celebration. Y'all should be celebrating my life, I won't be here to hear it, but y'all should rest easy knowing where I'm at. I want 'How Great Thou Art' but make sure it's not sad and slow, 'Count Your Many Blessings', and 'Victory in Jesus'."

Do you like my music?

"Oh I love your music. I don't care what you're playing here at the house. Piano, clarinet, the sax, whatever else you decide to pull out and randomly play, I just love it all. I could hear you play all day and all night, and I'd never get tired of it."

This interview was so fun to do with my Mema, and I learned so much that I didn't know. I will forever hold these memories, and will definitely be teaching her the clarinet ;)